NCLEX PN practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21A nurse is caring for a client with emphysema.<br/><br/>Which of the following interventions is the priority of the nurse when caring for the client?
✓ Correct answer: A. Maintain oxygen flow rate at 2 L/min
The priority of the nurse is to maintain the oxygen flow rate between 1 and 2 L/min. Clients with emphysema are stimulated by low partial pressure of oxygen to breathe, instead of increasing partial pressure of carbon dioxide. The other interventions are appropriate, but they are not the nurse’s priority.
Q22The PN/VN receives report on the postoperative client.<br/><br/>Which fact provided to the nurse requires immediate follow-up?
✓ Correct answer: D. "Indwelling catheter discontinued at 8 a.m., has not voided."
A pain rating of 4 on a scale of 10 is not usually a cause for immediate action. Getting out of bed and the dressing change finding are both routine. A client who has not voided for 7 hours requires prompt assessment and intervention.
Q23The PN/VN is preparing to obtain a nutritional history on a client.<br/><br/>Which question should the nurse ask the client?
✓ Correct answer: C. "Can you recall what you had to eat in the past 24 hours?"
A nutritional history usually includes a 24-hour dietary recall of food intake. Changes in appetite, weight loss, and inquiring about access to adequate food sources are part of a health history.
Q24The nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. The nurse is having difficulty in inserting the tube.<br/><br/>Which of the following actions should the nurse do first?
✓ Correct answer: A. Coach the client to swallow while inserting the tube
Swallowing facilitates relaxation of the esophageal muscles and closing of the epiglottis. <br/><br/>Options A and B are unnecessary. <br/><br/>Option D is incorrect. The client should bend the head forward to close the epiglottis and open the esophagus.
Q25Which of the following solutions may consist of water in oil (w/o) or oil in water (o/w)?
✓ Correct answer: C. Emulsion
An emulsion is a solution in which one liquid is dispersed in another liquid. It may be water in oil or oil in water. Emulsions are stabilized though the use of an emulsifying agent.
Q26A female client at 28 weeks gestation is admitted after experiencing abrupt and painless bleeding. The nurse should expect the following interventions in the care plan developed by the RN except:
✓ Correct answer: D. Perform pelvic examination
Pelvic examinations must be avoided when caring for clients with placenta previa. This type of examination during the last trimester can agitate the cervix and may initiate hemorrhage. The other options are appropriate.
Q27A patient’s religion should be taken into account in terms of how the patient views illness and healing. <br/><br/>The religion that uses the sacrament of the sick is which of the following?
✓ Correct answer: C. Roman Catholic
Roman Catholics have the sacrament of the sick. This was previously known as “last rites.” Islam uses herbal remedies and faith healing; Christian Science practices spiritual healing; and Hinduism practices faith healing.
Q28The PN/VN is reviewing the bones that support and protect the pelvic contents.<br/><br/>Which should the nurse identify as the sacrum?<br/><br/><img src="asset:assets/questions/1fc02a9a8161cf62.png">
✓ Correct answer: C. C
The sacrum connects the hip bones and is important in forming a strong pelvis. The sacrum is a wedge-shaped bone that is below the fifth lumbar vertebrae of the base of the spine. The sacrum is made up of five vertebrae that fuse into one single bone.
Q29The PN/VN is discussing legal responsibilities of health care providers.<br/><br/>Which responsibility should the nurse include when discussing minimizing the risk of being charged with battery?
✓ Correct answer: C. Ensure the consent forms are signed prior to treatment.
Battery is actual physical contact with another person without that person's consent. The risk for a charge of battery can be minimized by having the client sign a consent form prior to treatment. <br/><br/>The healthcare provider must explain and obtain consent prior to treatment. <br/><br/>It is the duty of the nurse to review the treatment plan of care with the client after consent has been obtained.
Q30A client is admitted due to stimulant intoxication. The nurse caring for the client determines that the client is experiencing stimulant withdrawal if which of the following signs and symptoms are noted on assessment:
✓ Correct answer: C. Fatigue, insomnia, craving
Fatigue, insomnia, and cravings are signs of stimulant withdrawal. Items in option A show stimulant intoxication, items in option C display signs of opioid intoxication, and items in option D demonstrate opioid withdrawal.
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Theory